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Basset Hound Breed Guide

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At a Glance
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TraitDetailTraitDetail
SizeMedium (40–65 lbs)Height11–15 inches
Lifespan10–12 yearsCoatShort, smooth, dense
ColorsTricolor, lemon & white, red & whiteTemperamentPatient, low-key, charmingly stubborn
Energy⚡ LowShedding🧹 Moderate to heavy
Good w/ Kids⭐ ExcellentGood w/ Dogs⭐ Excellent — pack hounds
Barking📢 High — bays like a foghornTrainability🀔 Extremely stubborn

The Nose on Legs
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Basset Hounds are a nose with a dog attached. Their sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound, and like the Beagle, that nose overrides everything — including you. A Basset who catches an interesting scent is a Basset who has forgotten you exist. This is the core of the breed: a slow-moving, incredibly stubborn scent hound who will follow their nose anywhere and ignore all commands when doing so.

Bassets are the most low-energy hound — a couple of short walks and they’re done. They’re wonderful with children and other dogs. They’re patient to the point of saintliness. They’re also droolers, heavy shedders, and possess a baying howl that can be heard three blocks away.

Health: Built Wrong, Adorably
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Bassets were designed with dwarfism — the same gene that creates the short legs increases risk for intervertebral disc disease. Keep them lean. No jumping. Ramps for furniture.

Those long, floppy ears trap moisture and debris — weekly cleaning is non-negotiable, and ear infections are common. The droopy eyes are prone to entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye. Bloat is a risk for this deep-chested breed. Skin fold infections in the facial wrinkles need daily attention.

Training: You’ll Lose
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Bassets are legendarily stubborn. They’re intelligent but see no reason to cooperate. Food motivation helps — but if a scent is more interesting than the treat, you’re irrelevant. Housebreaking takes 4–6 months. Recall is almost non-existent. Never off-leash in unfenced areas.

Bottom Line
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Pro: Wonderful with kids and dogs, low energy, endlessly patient, hilarious. Con: Stubborn beyond belief, drools, sheds, bays loudly. Health issues from the dwarf body shape. Ear infections are constant.

Cost: $800–$1,500.

Similar Breeds
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  • Beagle — more energetic, less drool, equally stubborn
  • Bloodhound — much larger, more drool, even better nose
  • Dachshund — similar body type, more feisty